Talent show

A talent show is an entertainment production in which members of the public show off their ability (or lack of ability) to entertain by giving a performance of singing, dancing, a comedy routine, acrobatics or other novelty. Talent shows might take place live on stage; and they have formed a popular part of television scheduling.

In recent years a new strand of talent show has become popular, in which amateur singers compete for fame and a record contract. Shows such as American Idol in the United States and Pop Stars, Pop Idol, and The X Factor in the United Kingdom have proved extremely popular. Their format originated in the UK and was exported to the US by the impresario Simon Cowell.